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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Imagine unearthing a dinosaur bone. Pretty cool, huh? Now imagine discovering a new species of dinosaur that remained unknown to scientists for millions of years. Dr. Barry Albright did just that. The University of North Florida paleontologist was among a handful of scientists to discover the new species –Nothronychus graffam – in the deserts of southern Utah.Dr. Barry Albright, a professor of Earth Science in the Department of Physics at the University of North Florida, will share his findings at a lecture at the Museum of Science & History on Tuesday, October 20 at 6 p.m. “Cretaceous Park: Paleontology Adventures in Southern Utah” will be geared toward all age levels and is expected to last 45 minutes. The lecture, which will include a slide show featuring pictures taken during his excavations, is $5 for the general public and free to students. For reservations, call 396-MOSH (6674), ext. 240.

The first bones of this sickle-clawed dinosaur were unearthed in 2000. Years of digging resulted in eighty percent of the fossilized dinosaur’s recovery. As such, scientists have been able to gather a lot of information about the species, including its height – 10 feet – and its general appearance. The dinosaur’s discovery was published in the British-based biological journal Proceedings of the Royal Society in July 2009, making the find official.

Dr. Albright received a B.S. in oceanography from Florida Institute of Technology, a master’s degree in geology from Louisiana State University, and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of California, Riverside. Prior to his employment at UNF, Albright was Curator of Geology and

Paleontology at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. During these years, Albright began research in southern Utah where he returns each summer to continue field work and research on large marine reptiles, dinosaurs, and other aspects of paleontology and geology. His research has taken him to places near and far - Antarctica, Patagonia, California, Oregon, South Carolina and Utah. Prior to Dr. Albright’s academic life, he worked in the Caribbean as a yacht captain and in Alaska as a King crab fisherman.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Museum admission is $9 for adults, $7.50 for military and senior citizens, $7 for children 3-12, and free for children 2 and under and members.